Fort Carson
Fort Carson Relocation Information
Image from carson.army.mil
Welcome to Fort Carson, Colorado!
The Army’s Fort Carson, also known as The Mountain Post, is home to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Brigade Combat Teams of the 4th Infantry Division, the 10th Special Forces Group, the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron, the 71st Ordnance Group, the 759th Military Police Battalion, the 10th Combat Support Hospital, and the 43rd Sustainment Brigade. Fort Carson also hosts units of the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, and the Colorado Army National Guard.
Soldiers conduct a live-fire exercise using a tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided weapon system at Fort Carson, Colo., March 18, 2020. Image via Army Sgt. Micah Merrill.
Year after year, Fort Carson earns top billing on lists touting high marks for quality of life factors. Military families as well as civilian transplants from across the country are flocking to Colorado Springs to take advantage of idyllic settings and near perfect weather.
The majority of military stationed in the “Springs” are thrilled to live in Colorado’s second largest city, with glowing reviews of the city’s amenities and neighborhoods being typical. This duty station in Colorado is the perfect opportunity to break away from your norms and try something different. Whether it's rock climbing or learning to love craft brews, a new adventure awaits!
Moving to Fort Carson? Download your free guide to the Colorado Springs area!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Carson
1) Where do families stationed at Fort Carson live?
The majority of families live in Colorado Springs. Alternate cities include Monument, Peyton, Calhan, Palmer Lake, Fountain, and Falcon. Some families choose to live in privatized military housing on Fort Carson.
2) What other military installations are around Fort Carson?
Colorado Springs is home to several military installations belonging to multiple branches. Fort Carson has three Air Force bases as neighbors. Schriever and Peterson AFBs are to the northeast, and Cheyenne Mountain Air Station to the northwest.
3) What is Fort Carson Known for?
Originally known as Camp Carson, Fort Carson’s namesake is the legendary General Christopher “Kit” Carson, an Army Scout who explored vast sections of the U.S. western frontier in the 1800s. You might also know Fort Carson because it is home to mighty NORAD, who protects the U.S. through aerospace defense, but NORAD also tracks Santa Claus each Christmas Eve and operates a website showcasing his route.
4) What is the zip code for Fort Carson?
The zip code for Fort Carson is 80913. Other nearby zip codes include 80911, 80902, 80903, 80906, and 80910.
5) What is the BAH for Fort Carson?
BAH for Fort Carson ranges from $2,079 for E-1 to $2,556 for E-9 with dependents, and from $2,286 for O-1 to $2,814 for O-7 with dependents. See housing section for more info.
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Fort Carson Location and Information
Fort Carson is south of Colorado Springs, in El Paso County, about 30 miles north of Pueblo between Interstate 25 and Highway 115. The city of Fountain is less than five miles south and slightly east of the base, and Manitou Springs and Woodland Park are north of the base with Woodland Park at around 25 miles away. The U.S. Air Force Academy is a straight shot north of Fort Carson, approximately 20 miles away.
The vibe from Colorado Springs residents is one of overarching contentment. And why not? Outdoor adventures, vibrant arts and culture scene, and a growing economy are just the beginning of a long list of positive features. The convenience of city life and small town camaraderie intermingle to form a well-rounded community.
Image by David Shankbone
For these reasons, growing pains are emerging. Real estate remains affordable compared to national averages, but recent trends in relocation and the lack of housing have pushed thelocal markets to higher price points. Inadequate public transportation and the inconveniences of continued road and housing construction are also contentious issues.
Travel both in and out of Colorado is a beloved perk for those stationed at Fort Carson. All season adventures await: skiing, hiking, biking, climbing, you name it, there’s a group who wants to adventure with you. Because of Colorado’s central location, military families take advantage of traveling to attractions in states near and far. For a quick getaway, Denver, the largest city in Colorado, has a drive time from Colorado Springs at about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Military Installations Near Fort Carson
Arrival Lodging
IHG Army Hotels
Building 7222
7222 Sheridan Ave,
Fort Carson, Colorado 80913
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Fort Carson Housing
Image via Fort Carson Homes
Fort Carson Family Homes
6800 Prussman Boulevard
Fort Carson, Colorado 80913
Phone: 719- 579-1606
Balfour Beatty Communities operates Fort Carson Family Homes. The company offers a variety of single-family, duplex, and townhome styles within 16 distinct neighborhoods. Floor plans include 2, 3, and 4, and 5 bedrooms. Amenities include playgrounds, sports courts, recreational trails and pet friendly neighborhoods.
Army Family Housing Office
Housing Services Office
Bldg. 1225 Evans St. Room 189
Fort Carson, Colorado 80913
Phone: 719-524-0541
Fort Carson Off-Post Housing
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Base Search
City Search
From quaint downtown living to sprawling lots outside the city, you’ll find single family homes, apartment living, townhouses, and condos. Not only do the housing choices run the gamut of options, but sought-after lifestyle factors play a role in the demand. Outdoor enthusiasts look for property near hiking and biking trails, while those who prefer walkability to the city's amenities hunt for homes with easy access.
First-time home buyers, renters, and veteran buyers have plenty of options, but will find competition in the most popular neighborhoods: Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, Broadmoor Bluffs, Briargate, Northgate, Fountain, and Powers.
Here’s a couple of housing hunting tips:
1. If an air conditioned home is a priority, double check that your for sale or rent home options are outfitted with AC. Some homes come equipped with swamp coolers or no AC system at all.
2. Many Colorado homes have basements, and the area regularly has bursts of intense rain that can cause flooding. If your home does not have a sump pump, it likely is a wise future investment.
Fort Carson BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Fort Carson is near Colorado Springs with many options to buy or rent. Some sample Fort Carson BAH rates for zip code 80913:
E-1 with dependents: $2,079
E-1 without dependents: $1,638
E-9 with dependents: $2,556
E-9 without dependents: $2,292
O-1 with dependents: $2,286
O-1 without dependents: $1,878
O-7 with dependents: $2,814
O-7 without dependents: $2,535
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Area Weather & Climate
Pikes Peak. Image from Canva.
If you appreciate four distinct seasons without extremes, Colorado Springs is the perfect destination. You’ll need every season’s best gear and multiple pairs of quality sunglasses. Don’t forget sunscreen! The area experiences nearly 250 days of sunshine per year. And if you’ve never lived at a high altitude, realize that it may take some time to adjust.
- While cold during fall and winter, the city is temperate compared to other areas of the state, resulting in less snow and warmer temperatures.
- Spring snow is common, and provides moisture for glorious blooms. Warm days fill the summer, but relief comes from low humidity and quickly dropping temperatures at night.
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Fort Carson Area Schools
There are more than 10 public school systems in Colorado Springs. It’s important to become familiar with Colorado’s school choice policy, which equates to an open enrollment. Families may choose between assigned neighborhood schools, or “choice in” to another school inside or outside the district if there is availability. Note that although you may attend a different school than your neighborhood is zoned for, it's up to you to provide transportation in most cases.
Fort Carson has four elementary schools on base: Abrams, Mountainside, Patriot, and Weikel. Carson Middle School is the only middle school. These are not DODEA schools; they are in the jurisdiction of the Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8.
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Colorado Springs Area School Districts from Fort Carson MWR
Other area school districts include: Manitou Springs, Widefield District 3, Cheyenne Mountain District 12, Academy District 20, Falcon District 49, Harrison District 2, Colorado Springs District 11.
Image via Colorado Springs District 11
Families looking for charter, private, and homeschooling education also have access to plenty of choices, including faith and non-faith based schools and groups. Refer to the School Choice Handbook provided by the School Liaison Officer to find more details about all of the public, private, and home schooling options on or near Fort Carson.
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Support for Military and Families
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The USO Colorado Springs not only offers entertainment and recreational outlets for service members and their families, they work diligently to provide access to transition resources and employment/career opportunities for spouses through their Pathfinder Program.
The Fort Carson Education Center has a team of Army Education Counselors who work with active duty members and their families to chart education goals and pursue degrees and certificates to further career ambitions. They also provide resources for finding financial aid and tuition assistance.
Some more helpful links:
More Area Info
Base Address:
6101 Wetzel Ave.
Fort Carson
,
80913-5119